Implementing a Skin Cancer Prevention Lesson to Enact Institutional Change: A Schoolwide Survey

Background: Schools can play a major role in protecting students from skin cancer by instituting preventive policies and educational programs. Methods: A high school-wide study was conducted to assess students' current understanding of skin cancer prevention, provide an up-to-date instruction lesson, and evaluate changes in students' knowledge and behaviors. Results: Written surveys were distributed to 2,688 high school students with a return rate of 38.1% (n = 1,025). Surveys were administered prior to (survey 1), immediately after (survey 2), and 1 month after (survey 3) presenting a video lesson. Significant changes in knowledge gain (an increase from survey 1 to survey 2), knowledge decay (a decrease from survey 2 to survey 3), and knowledge persistence (an increase from survey 1 to survey 3) throughout all grade levels were found. Behavioral changes included an increase in students wearing sunscreen 5-7 days per week (p < 0.001) and students examining themselves for changing moles (p = 0.10). With this survey, the Health Education Framework for California Public Schools was revised to include updated recommendations regarding skin cancer prevention efforts in schools. Conclusions: A skin cancer video lesson given to high school students effectively increased students' knowledge and promoted healthy behaviors.